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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. A complex piece of music. Usually the first movement of the piece serving as the exposition - a development - or recapitulation.






2. A repeating phrase that is played at the end of each verse in the song.






3. Word to indicate that the movement or entire composition is to be played grandly.






4. A set of five musicians who perform a composition written for five parts.






5. The technique of altering the tone color of a single note or musical line by changing from one instrument to another in the middle of a note or line.






6. A symbol indicating that the note is to be diminished by one semitone.






7. A style of male singing where by partial use of the vocal chords - the voice is able to reach the pitch of a female.






8. The principal note of a triad.






9. Either of the two octave arrangements in modern music. The modes are either major or minor.






10. A composition written for a solo instrument. The soloist plays the melody while the orchestra plays the accompaniment.






11. A numeric symbol in sheet music determining the number of beats to a measure.






12. A short and simple melody performed by a soloist that is part of a larger piece.






13. Music that is written and performed without regard to any specific key.






14. Arranging a piece of music for an orchestra. Also - the study of music.






15. Three note chords consisting of a root - third - and fifth.






16. Word to indicate that the movement or entire composition is to be played grandly.






17. Lowest female singing voice.






18. The first tone of a scale also known as a keynote.






19. Combination of two or more keys being played at the same time.






20. Suite of Baroque dances.






21. 3 or 4 notes played simultaneously in harmony.






22. Primary theme or subject that is developed.






23. A period in history dating from the 14th to 16th centuries. This period signified the rebirth of music - art - and literature.






24. Ability to determine the pitch of a note as it relates to the notes that precede and follow it.






25. Vocal composition written for three or more solo parts - usually without instrumental accompaniment.






26. One or more vocalists performing without an accompaniment.






27. String instruments that are picked instead of bowed.






28. The opening section of a piece of music or movement.






29. Two or three melodic lines played at the same time.






30. The tonal characteristics determined by the relationship of the notes to the tone.






31. Word to indicate the movement or entire composition is to be played very slow and serious.






32. Unmusical - without tone.






33. Originally an improvised cadence by a soloist. Later it became a written out passage to display performance skills of an instrumentalist or performer.






34. One of two or more parts in polyphonic music. Voice refers to instrumental parts as well as the singing voice.






35. Word to indicate the movement or entire composition is to be played gracefully.






36. A composition written for eight instruments.






37. Pertains to tone or tones.






38. Direction to performer to play a composition in a brisk - lively - and spirited manner.






39. In sheet music - a symbol at the beginning of the staff defining the pitch of the notes found in that particular staff.






40. The unit of musical rhythm.






41. A solo concert with or without accompaniment.






42. A song or hymn celebrating Christmas.






43. Indicating speed.






44. Music of a particular form consisting of four movements. Each of the movements differ in tempo - rhythm - and melody; but are held together by subject and style.






45. A composition written for three to six voices. Beginning with the exposition - each voice enters at different times - creating counterpoint with one another.






46. In sheet music - a symbol at the beginning of the staff defining the pitch of the notes found in that particular staff.






47. Primary theme or subject that is developed.






48. One who directs a group of performers. The conductor indicates the tempo - phrasing - dynamics - and style by gestures and facial expressions.






49. Eight full tones above the key note where the scale begins and ends.






50. In sheet music - an instruction to repeat the beginning of the piece before stopping on the final chord.